Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Citing alarming numbers in the University district, which he represents, Buffalo Common Council member Rasheed Wyatt has filed a resolution calling for an eviction moratorium, for at least 6 months, for certain zip codes in Buffalo.
He wants the state to work with local agencies to provide assistance to both tenants and landlords.
"I have an increase in evictions in my district (14215) of about 55%, which is very alarming," said Wyatt on WBEN. "I'm asking the state for a temporary moratorium for six months to make sure that this is not another pandemic that's going to affect my district."
Wyatt said he can't just sit here while people are being evicted with no place to go.
"I'm not trying to say that landlords haven't gone through a hard time, they absolutely have. But at the end of the day, tenants who are put out in the cold, in most cases, don't have a place to go."
Wyatt wants everyone to come together. He thinks the state could expedite dollars that are out there for landlords who have been struggling.
But is kicking the can, going to further the problem? Because the rent continues to tally up and the bill eventually comes.
"I hope not," said Wyatt. "I'm hopeful the 6 months will give us some clarity on where we're going. I definitely don't want to hurt landlords who are struggling. But I also don't want tenants to be kicked-out of their homes. They're already
suffering. They just suffered through a blizzard."
He wants to hear from other council members about eviction numbers in their district.
Wyatt wants the state to make certain that landlords are made whole and tenants stay in their homes.
Wyatt is introducing the resolution at Tuesday's council meeting. He expects it to be tabled for further discussion in committee meetings next week.
